From Joseph Ward

[dateline] Camp at Roxbury 4 Nov. 1775

[salute] Sir

I beg leave to recommend to your Notice Capt. Price,1 the Bearer of this, who has commanded one of the Companies of Riflemen in this Encampment;
he has supported the Character of a good Officer and a worthy Gentleman; any Services
which you may have opportunity to render him, will I apprehend, be serving our Country.

We have received an account from Halifax, that great disturbances have lately happened
in London, but it wants confirmation. A report is just brought into Camp, “That the
Continental Congress have resolved to offer a free trade to all Nations, except the
British, and never to have any future connection with Britain until she has repaired
the injuries we have suffered by her tyranny.” If this news is not true, I hope it
is a forerunner of such proceedings. The late infernal conduct of the Pirates at Falmouth, I apprehend is a full answer to all American Petitions, and in its consequences
will, I conceive be the best answer we have received. We wait with solicitude to know
the success of the Troops which are gone to reduce Quebec and St. Johns. The Army
here is now healthy, and notwithstanding our progress is slow, I trust we shall sooner
or later conquer the Enemies of Freedom. The Pirates and Rebels in Boston are very
busily employed in fortifying themselves, and by late accounts from them, they are
very much afraid we shall attack the Town. They however flatter themselves that our
Army will be greatly lessened by the cold weather, want of necessaries, &c. It appears
from good authority, that the Enemy are sickly, and much distressed for want of provisions,
wood, &c. I hope we shall in the course of the Winter bring them to reason, or to
ruin. No reinforcements have lately arrived, and it is said by Persons from Boston, that
none are expected before next Spring. If no reinforcement should arrive this Fall,
and we can secure what troops are now in America before Spring, I apprehend the Contest
would be near to an end; and therefore I hope every nerve will be exerted to sweep
the Continent and secure every Enemy before they can form a Spring Campaign.

[salute] My constant wishes and prayers are for Wisdom, Prosperity Health and Happiness to
the Continental Congress. I am Sir your Obedient and most Humble Servant,